India Criticises U.S. Freeze on PERM Green-Card Filings, Urges ‘Balanced Talent Mobility’
Visa Curbs Could Be ‘Big Win for India’, Says Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
India Waives Overstay Penalties and Extends Visas for Foreigners Stranded by West Asia Air-Space Closures
Latest News
U.S. Visa Interview Wait Times in India Stretch Up to 11.5 Months, Live Tracker Shows
Live-tracking site WaitDelta shows B1/B2 interview waits of six to 11.5 months at Indian U.S. consulates, with Hyderabad the slowest. Student-visa queues are shorter but still tight ahead of the January intake, forcing companies to rethink travel timelines and consider third-country processing options.
India says US PERM suspension will not hit existing H-1B visas but warns of green-card delays
New Delhi has downplayed the impact of Washington’s sudden suspension of PERM labour-certification filings for major Indian tech employers, saying it does not cancel existing H-1B work visas. But tens of thousands of Indian professionals may see their green-card timelines pushed back, forcing companies to revisit retention, tax and travel plans. The row highlights ongoing political risk in the US immigration system for India-centric talent strategies.
Indian missions move fully to digital e-OCI card, ending physical booklet era
Consulates worldwide declared on 9 October that only digital e-OCI cards will be issued going forward. Existing booklet holders can download a QR-coded PDF; airlines and banks are adapting systems, so travellers should carry printed backups for now.
India waives overstay penalties and extends visas for foreigners stranded by West Asia conflict
India has automatically extended visas and waived overstay fines for foreigners stuck in the country because of flight disruptions linked to the West Asia security crisis. Employers must still meet tax and compliance duties for those who cross residency thresholds.
Australia updates India travel advisory: Ebola health form and e-Arrival Card now compulsory
DFAT’s latest Smartraveller update for India stresses that all inbound passengers must file the Air Suvidha 2.0 health declaration and the separate e-Arrival Card before departure. Non-compliance will cause delays or quarantine. Companies should amend India travel protocols, ensure travellers print both confirmations and check insurance coverage for epidemic-related costs.
Australia Reissues India Travel Advice, Highlights Mandatory e-Arrival Card and Ongoing Curfews in Manipur
DFAT’s latest Smartraveller update keeps India at ‘high-degree-of-caution’ but adds new warnings: completion of the e-Arrival Card is now strictly enforced and curfews in Manipur are intensifying. Australian employers must adjust mobility and insurance plans accordingly.
Australia reopens Work & Holiday visa streams—Indian applicants face separate ballot
Australia has reopened most Work & Holiday visa channels, but India’s quota continues to be managed by a once-a-year ballot. Successful Indian registrants may now lodge full applications, while others must wait until mid-2027.
Australia’s Smartraveller updates India advisory, stresses mandatory e-Arrival card
Australia’s latest travel advisory for India highlights strict enforcement of the e-Arrival card, after several travellers were off-loaded for non-compliance. Indian hosts should ensure foreign delegates complete the form and carry printed confirmations.
UK updates visa-processing dashboard: India YPS steady at three weeks, visitor delays persist
UKVI’s 9 October data refresh shows India’s Young Professionals Scheme visas still processed in three weeks, but standard visitors remain at six weeks or more. Businesses should build longer lead times or pay super-priority fees.